Introduction
I see that no one has written a proper detailed review of this car on here yet. It’s also that anyone who owns a(new)BMW, does not have time to write a review. Time is money they say! I actually enjoy writing so here goes!
After searching for long time for a BMW 3 series e90(2005-2011), and almost buying a standard one, I settled on a Motorsport version. The differences were quite stark between a standard and a Motorsport version. The tyres on a standard e90 are quite narrow and look out of place on the body. However, most 3 series on indian roads will have the optional alloys I believe.
Other differences with the Motorsport include lowered suspension, stiffer ride, bucket seats, wooden trim, and wide tyres. There may be more differences that I have not noticed.
Handling
The handling on this car is great and probably one of the biggest plus points. If you want to push it the limit on a windy road, you can have quite a thrilling time. I know of a few mountainous areas where it would be fitting to do this, specially with a few friends in the car to show off to.
Although I do push the car to it’s limits on turns in the absence of anyone to show off to, except maybe the random citizen on the street.
It is very hard for this car to loose grip. I cannot describe it, I have pretty much driven at great speeds around corners without being afraid that the car will slip. Yesterday I was taking a sharp turn and it turns out there was a cop in the other lane, so test the brakes I did. Braking on this machine is instantaneous.
A lot of this has got to do with expensive and wide tyres fitted to this car and the 50-50 weight ratio between the front and the back.
Looks
There’s nothing better than owning this car and still being in your 20’s. It is exclusive, sexy, and like any accessory, it compliments you. This car has aged well, and still stands out even though it has been around since 2005.
Comfort
You don’t realise how comfortable or well built this car is until you step into someone elses car. A great feature is that the rear view mirror automatically dims at night so that the headlights of cars behind you will not strain your eyes. The side mirrors automatically turn downwards to help you park and not hit the curb when you switch to reverse.
Such things make life a bit easier. Not to mention the quiteness and peace you feel in this car. Almost every car I step in makes some kinds of creeks or noises which are slightly annoying after you get used to a BMW.
Reasoning
As it is I would not buy a new BMW simply because a slightly used one is better value and I"m not wealthy enough to throw away money like that. In this country it’s easy to get a car in very good shape which is used, I’m not too sure about India though.
My cousin in India has a new BMW and has mentioned he is only able to get 5 Kmpl in Gurgaon in city conditions in a 2.0 litre car. To me this does not make sense as my car gives me 15 kmpl on the highway, and close to 7 kmpl in city conditions. I put this down to adulterated petrol in India, but I cannot be sure. Perhaps the traffic jams have become ridiculous in Gurgaon.
One of the reasons I bought the car is because I am a contractor, and this car makes me look more successful to clients. So if it will help you earn, it’s worth it.
Upkeep
I spent half a day properly waxing this car using a 5 step process. If you are going to buy this car you must look after it. Unfortunately most people do not have the knowledge of properly maintaining a car in India. I am yet to come across anyone that has owned car wax in India.
Fuel consumption
If you are going to push the car you can say goodbye to the petrol in your tank. On the plus side this car features a gauge which tells you how well you are driving for fuel efficiency. So using the gauge you can tell when you are driving like an idiot!
My car is only a 2000cc so it gives quite impressive fuel consumption figures. On the highway I am able to obtain 15 kmpl with the AC on!
The car has a computer built into it which displays a lot of useful information such as your average kmpl figure.
Conclusion
It’s not gonna change your life, but buy it if it makes sense and you can afford it.
My website: https://thepcguru.co.nz